This Baked Creamy Chicken Italian Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, tender penne, marinara, and spinach come together under a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
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Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
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Ideal for meal prep—makes great leftovers
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Kid-friendly and customizable
Ingredients Breakdown
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Chicken Breasts (2, boneless & skinless): Lean protein that stays juicy when sautéed and baked.
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Penne Pasta (2 cups): The ideal pasta for soaking up creamy sauces and holding its shape during baking.
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Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): Adds a rich, tangy tomato base to balance the creaminess.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a velvety, luscious sauce when combined with marinara.
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Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping.
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Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds sharp, salty depth to complement the marinara.
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Fresh Spinach (1 cup): Brings color, nutrition, and balance to the richness of the dish.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and enhancing flavor.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic, savory depth.
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
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Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
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Optional: Fresh Basil: Brightens the final dish and adds fresh Italian flair.
Tips and Tricks
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Use rotisserie chicken to save time
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Swap in gluten-free pasta if needed
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
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Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra cheesy flavor
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Stir in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for variety
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add roasted veggies
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Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized zucchini or hearts of palm pasta
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Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce
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Pesto Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of pesto with the sauce
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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Pair with a Caesar salad or roasted asparagus
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw before baking
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Reheat in oven or microwave with a splash of cream to revive moisture
Popular Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, or ziti all work well.
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Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream, cheese, and yogurt alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.
Print
Baked Creamy Chicken Italian Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender penne, juicy chicken, spinach, and marinara baked in a creamy cheese sauce under a golden mozzarella-Parmesan crust. Comfort food heaven!
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Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 cups penne pasta
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1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup fresh spinach leaves
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
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Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Build the Sauce
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Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmering until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and Assemble
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Add marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and spinach to the skillet.
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Mix well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Bake It
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Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Notes
This dish is perfect for meal trains, potlucks, and busy families looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort meal. It’s also a great base for experimenting with different proteins, veggies, or sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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